Mistaking Vince for Bumblebee’s human partner, Knock Out kidnaps the bully, forcing Jack and the Autobots into a rescue mission that risks exposing the Cybertronians' existence. The episode concludes with a frantic chase involving and Optimus Prime , who eventually rescues Vince and teaches Jack a hard lesson about the consequences of his "need for speed". Key Episode Highlights
: This was the first episode of the series to premiere on a Saturday.
: This was the final episode where G1 veteran Susan Blu served as the voice director for the series. Detailed Episode Information Air Date April 9, 2011 Primary Antagonist Voice Cast [S1E11] Speed Metal
: Unlike episodes centered on ancient relics or Energon hunts, "Speed Metal" focuses on character development, specifically Jack’s maturity and the bond between humans and Autobots.
Driven by a desire to impress his crush, , and silence the arrogant school bully, Vince , Jack Darby makes a questionable decision: he enters an illegal underground street race. Jack convinces Bumblebee to participate, but their plans for a simple victory take a dangerous turn when the vainglorious Decepticon medic Knock Out decides to join the race himself. Mistaking Vince for Bumblebee’s human partner, Knock Out
Peter Cullen (Optimus), Frank Welker (Megatron), Steve Blum (Starscream), Daran Norris (Knock Out) First episode where Ratchet does not appear.
: This episode marks the formal introduction of the Decepticon duo Knock Out and Breakdown , who become recurring fan-favourite antagonists throughout the series. : This was the final episode where G1
: While Vince challenges Jack to a race on a "dirt road," the actual race takes place on a paved, marked highway.